Children are work. In fact, they seem like so much work that I seriously question if I will have the stamina to raise one (or two). As I sit and type, a petulant two year old is screaming because her potato soup is too hot, or maybe because her diaper is too wet, or maybe just because she likes to see her mom scramble in her purse for some plastic play toy.

When I confess my fears about child rearing at the dinner table, my family resorts to smiling, they look at each other with knowing glances, and then they all respond in a resounding chorus, "You'll be just fine, and you'll love it". Ryan, on the other hand, is a natural. He is more enamored with babies than any man I've ever met; Ryan would be happy holding our nephew for hours, he would be content to sit in our front lawn and roll a ball back and forth with our three-year-old neighbor. Simply put: he would be an amazing father.

So if our birth control fails us, at least I know that my child would have one parent who was prepared to cradle and cuddle and sacrifice their sanity.

And of all these thoughts make me so appreciate the love and care that my own mother poured into our lives. She lived selflessly for over twenty years, raising two teenage stepdaughters and then turning around to have two more of her own. Over the weekend, our family celebrated my mother’s birthday, and I was able to do what I love best (which, I assure you, is not playing with plastic blocks). I made a lovely lemon tart with a thick shortbread crust that my mom and I enjoyed with a very adult-like appreciation

Lemon Tarts are meant to be enjoyed slowly. The thin layers of pastry and lemon curd are best attacked with a delicate silver fork, one luscious bite at a time. We offered slices of the lemon tart to my niece and nephews, but like most children, they preferred a two layer chocolate cake speckled with sprinkles (which isn't a bad choice).

This recipe came about after perusing quite a few variations of a classic lemon tart. I settled on a sweeter shortbread crust and a simple lemon curd that required little more than lemon juice, sugar and egg.

My mom (and the rest of the adults) found the tart to be an ideal way to end our summer celebration of my mom's special day. After a filling meal of grilled meats and vegetables, freshly baked bread and watermelon, the only thing our stomachs cared to handle was a small sliver of tart (and I guess those small slivers turned into larger ones as we kept on cutting off more after finishing our share).

So this tart is a tribute to all the wonderful mothers and fathers out there who selflessly sacrifice day after day. I sincerely hope you can find a baby sitter this weekend and that you and your partner can go out and enjoy some adult recreation (topped off with sweets).

1. Combine your flour, salt, butter, and sugar in a bowl. Using a pastry blender or a fork cut the butter into the flour until the dough forms flaky lumps (Working with your fingers is suitable too!) With a large spoon, mix in the egg, almond extract, and lemon juice. The dough should begin to form a ball, but might seem very dry. Flatten your dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least an hour.

2. Pre-heat your oven to 350°F.

3. Allow your dough to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes so that it is workable. It should be somewhat pliable before you begin rolling out. Roll out the disk between two sheets of parchment paper to a 12 inch round circle.

4. Press your dough into the 10 inch tart pan, cutting off excess dough and pressing in to fill patches. Place aluminum foil over the foil and gently mold it to the dough in the pan. Add pie weights and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool before filling.

MEANWHILE:

1. Remove the zest of the lemons with a vegetable peeler or zester, being careful to avoid the white pith. Squeeze the lemons to make 1/2 cup of juice and set the juice aside. Put the zest in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the sugar and process for 2 to 3 minutes, until the zest is very finely minced. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter with the sugar and lemon zest. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and then add the lemon juice and salt. Mix until combined.

2. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10-15 minutes. The lemon curd will thicken at about 175 degrees F, or just below a simmer. Remove from the heat.

3. Fill the tart shell with warm lemon curd and allow to set at room temperature.

Always,MonetAnecdotes and Apple Cores

PS. I have a Twitter account....monetm1218...find me please! I'm still a bit lost!

I'm so excited you posted a recipe for a lemon tart - just yesterday I said I wanted to make one! I will take this as a sign and make yours :)

Love the heartfelt thoughts & stories you write with your recipes. I won't offer any advice, as I'm not a mother either, but you will figure it out with time. I do think it is very different when it's your own children.

I had to smile and think the same about your childrearing fears 'you will be fine and you will love it.' That said, you are right- kids are a lot of work. We have one and are seriously considering the only child route exactly because of the energy and engagement they require. She is a lovely child but the thought of starting over- breastfeeding, sleepless nights, tummy time, pureed baby foods- THAT requires a lot of energy :-) But I have loved every minute of it!

This looks so good Monet! Aww and you and your mom look like sisters! We all have fears when we think of having our own children. But once it happens, you'll fall in love! Don't fret, you'll do a fine job! <3

Monet, this is a great post, and a lovely lemon tart to go along with it! I can totally understand what you're going through, and as a childless, newly married twentysomething I often feel the same way. I definitely want a kid or two, but it's good to know I'm not alone in feeling a little unsure! I think you'd make a very caring, compassionate and kind mom though, and I hope I would, too!

Monet, the lemon tart looks amazingly yummy! Cute picture of you and your mom:-)At one point on my life I felt the same way you do, now I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren, go figure! Great that you have Ryan on board for the trip, having support is the key thing in enjoying your future, take care, Patty

This is such a lovely and reflective post! We don't have kids and frankly, I'm with you- the whole thing freaks me out. I get when parents say it'll come naturally, you'll be great, la la la but there are no take backs when you find out that you are not that great at it :) Until we have kids, I will do things like make your fabulous looking lemon tart :)

I think you are soul mate. I'm right there with you on being torn with whether or not to have children. Thankfully, don't have to worry about the birth control failing, but it's something I go back and forth on.

Now, back to food... this tart looks wonderful and so perfect for the summer. I must admit... I don't think I've ever had a lemon tart. When I come to visit, you'll have to make one ;-)

Ha, I remember one time I asked my mom to buy me a mini "lemon pie" for a pre-school picnic and I HATED it. Must be an adult acquired taste ;) Anyway thanks as always for your amazing support and comments!

Your story about kid fears and your husband being a natural is my life exactly. I'm terrified -- to the point that I feel like I'd be perfectly content NOT having kids (which would break my entire family's hearts...including Billy) -- and he's sure everything is going to be great. When I'm ready, of course. We'll see if that ever happens, haha.

No matter what, everything will be okay, right? At least we've both got a better half who we know will be a great parent!

We don't have children yet either, but it's nice to be at the stage in our lives where if the birth control does fail, we'd survive it. There's definitely something to be said for that one. Your lemon tart looks delicious! So perfect for summer :)

Yes, kids can be quite intimidating. But once they're asleep with those angelic faces plastered on them, you'll forget why you were upset, frustrated, or annoyed at them. I know because I used to volunteer for Orphanage Club at my high school.

You really never cease to amaze me with your recipes! I love lemon bars, and I dare say I'd equally love this lemon tart!

I know exactly how you feel about the children side of things. I work in a baby shop and so see the best and worst sides of parenting on a daily basis. I've also been a special needs teacher, and whilst I loved my kids I also loved giving them back to their parents at the end of the day. It's kinda put me off having children, at least for a while, and so when I see people who gush over little ones enthusiastically I cringe a little and back away.

It's probably something that will change in the future, and if I ever have my own kids I'd probably be an okay-ish mom. I think you'll be a fantastic mom, and clearly hubby will be a fantastic dad. But don't feel pressure to start a family immediately, enjoy the time that the two of you have as a family. When you're ready you're ready and not a moment before that. Know what I'm sayin'? ;)

And now about the food: lemon tart is awesome. Yours looks super mega awesome. If you decide that you definitely don't want your own kids you can always adopt me - I would be more than happy to have an awesome baker mom like you! Much love and hugs, sweetheart.

What a lovely dessert to have at the end a birthday celebration. It looks wonderful. I must admit to a weakness for all things made with lemon. In the realm of desserts I much prefer it to chocolate. I hope your mother enjoyed her day. She is a beautiful woman. I hope this day treats you well. Blessings...Mary

My siblings are older than me and so I used to babysit their kids a lot. So I felt the same way as you because I loved my nieces and nephews, but I was always so glad to see them go home. They wore me out! But it's different when you have your own. You find energy reserves you didn't know you had and you just make it all work. And you have a wonderful partner. I don't think being a mom defines me, but it definitely helped me on the journey of becoming the person I want to be.

I'm amazed at how much we have in common. I also question my parenting ability, when/if that day comes. My husband is much like Ryan when it comes to children and will make a great father. Time will tell.

Moms are the best aren't they? My husband and I are considering adding an addition to our family and I am the same way as you, while my husband is a kid fanatic...I think it's because guys really are just big kids themselves! haha...your tart is beautiful...Lemon tarts are really just a gorgeous color aren't they?!

haha that was a funny post..yes even i have my doubt abt rearing children i can get easily annoyed by crying babies:)Shall add u on twitter..although im a bit lost as well regarding that..just getting used to it

You probably wouldn't think it, but I was sooo not a kid person when I was where you're at either. I disliked babysitting and felt uncomfortable holding babies... until I had my own.

I'm still not a huge kid fan but I'll tell ya, when they're your own, it's different. I know everyone says that, but you really don't know what it truly means until you're there.

Good luck with your move! I so wish we could meet up too. You are my kindred spirit, I feel it! I'm sure I'll get back to Texas one of these days; I still have so many friends there. When I get there I'll be sure to make a stop in Austin.

Is that your mom in that picture? you guys look so alike - both gorgeous!

I always question my ability to be a good mother. How much am I really willing to sacrifice? But I think in the end, the intense love that I'm sure I'll feel for my kids will win out over any doubts. And if not, I'll just ship them off to my mom. After all, she already has practice.

Your lemon tart looks soooo delicious!! I agree they are meant to be enjoyed slowly. I love savoring each bite, but my husband will probably finish his piece in a second; he's big citrus dessert fan :)

You will be a wonderful mother, anyone who is caring enough to worry about wether they will be a good mother will be an amazing one. Simply because you're showing that you care enough to worry about it. You will be an amazing mother!

Hey Monet, this tart looks beautiful. I love a lemon tart. I made Jenn from Chinese Baba's lemon tart not too long ago and it was awesome! They are so good with strawberries. Anyway, so pretty and I'm sure it was delicious...p.s. I'm scared about being a good or at least a decent Mom too!

What a lovely tart for a wonderful mother! I can't help but think of how a lemon tart symbolizes motherhood - there are the sweet moments, there are the sour, but altogether, you wouldn't have it any other way. I'm sure you will be a wonderful mom one day, when you are ready (or not! LOL, life is full of surprises). You have a lovely family to support you, a sweet husband who seems ready! And when it comes down to it, one is never really ready...I find myself learning something new every single day :)

As a July baby, all celebrations centered around sunny lemonds and sweet berries. I feel blessed. I'd be pleased to have this tart end my special day. There's something about a lot of work - and babies are definitely included in that - but it always seems when I work hardest - I reap the largest rewards of joy. But it is all so peronal.

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Jeannie

08/01/2010 11:02am

Such a lovely tart for your family to enjoy... would love to try it too! Motherhood comes naturally when you have a baby Monet, no worries about it, espeically if you have a supportive mother you can rely on! Great post! Have a nice weekend

I am so glad your pate sucre has egg in it, because that's how I like mine also. Lemon curd is so wonderful. About having a baby, when you fall in love with your newborn's face, that will be it. Boom. But it's not something you can explain to someone else. You'll have to experience it.

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Jessie -- The Messie Kitchen

08/02/2010 5:29am

Monet, it looks wonderful! And I love all of your family pictures. I hope your move went well and you're all set up in Austin!

I feel the same way about kids! The idea of having to take care of a creature that's more involved that my dogs scares me, but I can't imagine not having them....in a couple (or several!) years!I loved lemon pies and tarts when I was a kid, I loved the gooey tartness of it (you describe it much more eloquently!) I think in my head I counted it as a fruit and that meant I was being healthy!

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